as in capabilities
the physical or mental power to do something
as a result of the accident the once-vigorous athlete lost the ability to walk
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Recent Examples of abilities
The designer, who holds certifications in accessible design, says the triangle’s goal of removing obstructions resonates with today’s emphasis on safe accessibility for kitchen users of all ages and abilities.
—
Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Go Dog Sledding Iditarod veteran Ed Stielstra and his wife, Tasha, host mushing adventures for all ages and abilities at Nature’s Kennel in McMillan in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
—Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 9 Jan. 2026
While his faith and the belief in his abilities never wavered during the dark times the past year, Gaffney can’t help but smile.
—Dean Spiros, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
Like Jaxson Dart last season, the Rebels’ offense is a hindrance for teams trying to project whether his abilities translate to the pros.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
In 2026, new additions will include NightFlight Expedition, the world’s first indoor hybrid coaster and whitewater raft ride; and the first-ever Run Dollywood Race Weekend, a multi-day event with races for all abilities.
—Josh Roberts, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
All of this research, adds Dror, is ultimately about trying to learn how humans evolved to have unparalleled language abilities that make our species special.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 8 Jan. 2026
The researchers found that outcomes depended largely on confidence, both in the users’ own abilities and in the AI.
—Larry Magid, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
More importantly for his storytelling abilities, Adams is a fluent liar.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Go Dog Sledding Iditarod veteran Ed Stielstra and his wife, Tasha, host mushing adventures for all ages and abilities at Nature’s Kennel in McMillan in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
—Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 9 Jan. 2026
While his faith and the belief in his abilities never wavered during the dark times the past year, Gaffney can’t help but smile.
—Dean Spiros, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
Like Jaxson Dart last season, the Rebels’ offense is a hindrance for teams trying to project whether his abilities translate to the pros.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
In 2026, new additions will include NightFlight Expedition, the world’s first indoor hybrid coaster and whitewater raft ride; and the first-ever Run Dollywood Race Weekend, a multi-day event with races for all abilities.
—Josh Roberts, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
All of this research, adds Dror, is ultimately about trying to learn how humans evolved to have unparalleled language abilities that make our species special.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 8 Jan. 2026
The researchers found that outcomes depended largely on confidence, both in the users’ own abilities and in the AI.
—Larry Magid, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
More importantly for his storytelling abilities, Adams is a fluent liar.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abilities
Noun
-
With minimal task-specific data, new capabilities can reportedly be learned and deployed within hours.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Hamas is seemingly rebuilding its military capabilities, including its tunnel infrastructure damaged by Israeli airstrikes, and bringing in new cash that pays its fighters and hires new recruits.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
He’s toured through Connecticut many times before in a number of different capacities.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Those who exit the military often continue their public service in different capacities.—
Michael Szalma,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Using those newfound skills, the Creature returns to the ruins of the tower and reads letters that reveal the truth of its creation.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Jan. 2026
-
In fact, employers at Big Four firms like KPMG and PWC have identified that their youngest recruits are lacking essential work etiquette skills like communication and collaboration.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Their opening night gets interrupted when blood thirsty vampires are lured in by the musical talents of Sammie (Miles Caton), a young blues musician.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Now the three-time All-Star will take his talents to the Windy City, leaving the Red Sox with a sizable void both on the field and in the clubhouse.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Frescoes by Pellegrino Tibaldi depict the liberal arts and the four faculties of medieval knowledge, situating the library within the intellectual framework of its era.—
Navya Verma,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Jan. 2026
-
Instead, the attorney claimed, Williams' faculties were impacted by alcohol addiction.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
10 Dec. 2025
Noun
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This model reflects Japan’s long-standing corporate culture, which prioritizes new hires for their general potential—their aptitudes and aspirations, as opposed to their current skill sets or university majors—and then trains them on the job.—
GRACIA LIU-FARRER,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Nov. 2025
-
More money is apt to make homeschooling worse and far less tailored to the individual student and their interests and aptitudes by encouraging parents to substitute pricey group programs for the requisite effort of individualized instruction.—
Marie Sapirie,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Keeping experienced employees on board as mentors is a simple way for companies to instill these critical competencies in newer cohorts.—
Mary Moreland,
Fortune,
31 Dec. 2025
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Building on this approach, Toth plans to guide the firm’s growth by strengthening existing competencies, deepening client and investor engagement, and adding professionals with sector-specific expertise.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
16 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abilities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abilities. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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